display
If it gets cold at home, turn on the heating, set the controller to "three" or tap the room thermostat until a "22" appears.
And hopes for the cozy warmth.
Most citizens only think for a brief moment of the additional costs that make up one or two degrees more room temperature.
And what's more: most people have a completely wrong idea of what proportion heating costs make to their budget in everyday life.
In a representative survey by the service provider Techem, only 13 percent of those questioned correctly guessed the proportion of heating costs in their total ancillary costs, namely 40 to 60 percent.
Source: WORLD infographic
The other survey participants were far off the mark and assumed that their ancillary costs consisted of heating costs to a much smaller extent.
35 percent of the respondents could not even give a tip.
display
When it comes to the specific amounts, many households estimate their monthly heating costs to be either particularly high - over 100 euros per month - or particularly low, for amounts below 50 euros.
In fact, according to Techem, the average heating bill in Germany is 77.50 euros per month.
The reason lies in a lack of transparency, says Nicolai Kuß, managing director at Techem.
Among other things, the company is one of the largest meter reading providers and records consumption data from tenants and owners.
However, they only see their heating consumption and the expenses for it once a year in the utility bill.
“The study clearly shows that there is still some catching up to do here.
Residents must be informed about their consumption - only then can they change it.
With an average heating bill, 15 percent energy savings mean around 100 euros more in your wallet. "
Source: WORLD infographic
display
In any case, as in many other areas, the money-saving argument is the best way to convince German citizens.
51 percent of those questioned stated that they would possibly change their heating behavior mainly because of the cost savings.
Most people don't care about protecting the environment: only 16 percent would turn down the thermostat, mainly to reduce CO2 emissions.
However, cost pressure is likely to rise.
The next heating bill will be significantly higher for almost all citizens.
Since the beginning of the year, there has been a CO2 tax of 25 euros per tonne of CO2 emitted.
According to a sample calculation by the Federal Environment Ministry, a family with two children will therefore pay almost 100 euros more for heating this year.
There is also a corona effect: The Techem experts expect that many citizens will stay at home much longer than usual because of lockdown and home office and therefore not lower the heating temperature during the day.
According to Techem, it is difficult to estimate how high the corona heating effect will be.
But he will come.
display
"More time at home can also cause more heating costs, especially since the CO2 pricing that has been in effect since January 1st will make heating even more expensive," the company notes.
Above all in apartment buildings - where the tenant share is also high - according to the survey, almost 70 percent of residents already feel that their financial burden from heating costs is “medium to high”.
The building sector, and especially heating systems, account for around 30 percent of all CO2 emissions in Germany.
But hardly anyone wants to reduce the temperature and put on a sweater.
42 percent of those surveyed by Techem already find their heating behavior "optimal".
Another 17 percent emphasize that they should also turn up the heating temperature in the future if necessary, because they "freeze quickly".
Or simply because they are used to it.